Winston Peters calls Fonterra vote result 'utter madness'
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
FEDERATED FARMERS is paying tribute to Fonterra chairman Henry van der Heyden, who will step down next year.
Feds dairy chairman Willy Leferink says the Waikato farmer, a founding Fonterra director, has been instrumental in creating a forward thinking and world-beating company.
"The simple fact is that Sir Henry has moulded New Zealand's largest company that remains cooperatively Kiwi owned. He is not only a great farmer; he is one of New Zealand's most accomplished business brains.
"Sir Henry's easy going and accessible nature is matched with a genuine love of dairy farming and a passion for Fonterra. We couldn't ask much more of Sir Henry and we hope his contribution to dairy will continue.
"I know Federated Farmers would like to discuss 'what next' with him."
Van der Heyden announced at Fonterra's annual meeting in Whangarei this week that he will step down at the 2012 annual meeting. A succession plan is underway.
Leferink says not many New Zealanders understand just how big a job van der Heyden has done.
"It's not just a business story, but an environmental one. It was under Sir Henry's tenure that the Clean Streams Accord was launched. That has gone on to become an outstanding success."
Leferink also acknowledged the election of Fonterra's first Maori director. Taranaki Regional Council chairman David MacLeod replaces Greg Gent, who has retired.
"Taranaki's David MacLeod is a young and gifted dairy farmer who will bring his skills and knowledge to the board table."
Leferink also welcomed the appointment of Ralph Norris as a Fonterra director.
"He brings tremendous international business skills to Fonterra, being New Zealand's most international company."
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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